Multi award-winning Glasgow-based trio Talisk have been selected to perform in the official programme at WOMEX 17 World Music Expo in the UNESCO City of Music Katowice, Poland, from Wednesday 25 to Sunday 29 October 2017.The annual five-day event, described by UNESCO as the most important international professional market of world music of every kind, comprises of a Showcase Festival, a bustling trade fair, a global music conference and a film programme.
This article was originally published on Creative Scotland website.
We spoke to the band ahead of their performance to find out how it feels to be selected, what they’re hoping to take away from the experience and what’s in store for the future.
How does it feel to be representing the UK at the World Music Expo?
It’s an incredible honour. We have all heard great things about WOMEX and always wanted to be part of it but didn’t realise the sheer scale of it until we were chosen, and everything that’s come after that with the setup and lead-in etc. To be picked by the samurai themselves means a great deal to us and we will certainly be making the most of the opportunity and doing Scotland and the UK proud.
What message are you hoping to share about Scotland’s music while you’re there?
We first and foremost want to bring our music to them, and let them see what we, as Talisk, can do. From this, we hope that WOMEX gets how progressive the music in Scotland is – and that there’s a really wide folk genre. Traditional music by nature is progressive, but we believe something very special is happening in Scotland at the moment – reaching out in new directions and exploring new areas far faster than we have seen it before.
Why do you think it’s important to celebrate different sounds from all over the world?
By its very nature, folk music is communal and welcoming, so whilst it’s important to celebrate different sounds and music from throughout the world, to us that doesn’t ever seem forced – though it certainly should be a focus, otherwise there’s the risk that some are forgotten, and potentially lost.
https://youtu.be/ZknSJwYdayI
What are you looking forward to seeing while you’re there?
We are all looking forward to discovering new and exciting music. As a band we’re always on the hunt for inspiration and what better a place than WOMEX? It will be amazing to hear such a wide range of styles and genres from some of the best artists in the world, all looking to likewise expand their horizons. We also can’t wait to get into the DJ Summit – some of us have a hidden love for the decks!
Outside of WOMEX, what have you got coming up?
In November we’re off to Germany for the Highland Blast tour – a 10-night run alongside Daimh – and then immediately after, we’re into a UK tour bringing us up and into December. January’s quiet, but we’ve a Celtic Connections gig at the start of February, and will be showcasing at Folk Alliance International in Kansas City shortly after. In March we’ll be back in the States for our debut tour there, alongside the fantastic We Banjo 3 – and then April has us out in the UK again. Busy times – can’t wait!
WOMEX takes place in Katowice, Poland, from Wednesday 25 to Sunday 29 October 2017.
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